Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Critical Use Exemption From the Phaseout of Methyl Bromide (Applications, Recordkeeping, and Periodic Reporting) (Renewal), 11447-11449 [2011-4638]

Download as PDF emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 41 / Wednesday, March 2, 2011 / Notices Commission’s Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application. o. Filing and Service of Responsive Documents: All filings must (1) bear in all capital letters the title ‘‘PROTEST,’’ ‘‘MOTION TO INTERVENE,’’ ‘‘COMMENTS,’’ ‘‘REPLY COMMENTS,’’ ‘‘RECOMMENDATIONS,’’ ’’ TERMS AND CONDITIONS,’’ or ‘‘FISHWAY PRESCRIPTIONS;’’ (2) set forth in the heading the name of the applicant and the project number of the application to which the filing responds; (3) furnish the name, address, and telephone number of the person protesting or intervening; and (4) otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 385.2001 through 385.2005. All comments, recommendations, terms and conditions or prescriptions must set forth their evidentiary basis and otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 4.34(b). All comments, recommendations, terms and conditions or prescriptions should relate to project works which are the subject of the license amendment. Agencies may obtain copies of the application directly from the applicant. A copy of any protest or motion to intervene must be served upon each representative of the applicant specified in the particular application. If an intervener files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. A copy of all other filings in reference to this application must be accompanied by proof of service on all persons listed in the service list prepared by the Commission in this proceeding, in accordance with 18 CFR 4.34(b) and 385.2010. p. As provided for in 18 CFR 4.34(b)(5)(i), a license applicant must file, no later than 60 days following the date of issuance of this notice of acceptance and ready for environmental analysis: (1) A copy of the water quality certification; (2) a copy of the request for certification, including proof of the date on which the certifying agency received the request; or (3) evidence of waiver of water quality certification. q. e-Filing: Motions to intervene, protests, comments, recommendations, terms and conditions, and fishway prescriptions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. See, 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission’s Web VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:34 Mar 01, 2011 Jkt 223001 site at https://www.ferc.gov under the ‘‘e Filing’’ link. Dated: February 23, 2011. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2011–4573 Filed 3–1–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OAR–2011–0085; FRL–9275–6] Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Critical Use Exemption From the Phaseout of Methyl Bromide (Applications, Recordkeeping, and Periodic Reporting) (Renewal) Environmental Protection Agency. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to submit a request to renew an existing approved Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This ICR, 2031.03, is scheduled to expire on October 31, 2011. Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 2, 2011. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2011–0085 by one of the following methods: • https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • E-mail: a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov. • Fax: 202–566–1741. • Mail: EPA–HQ–OAR–2011–0085, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 6205J, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. • Hand Delivery: EPA–HQ–OAR– 2011–0085, Air and Radiation Docket at EPA West, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room B108, Mail Code 6102T, Washington, DC 20460. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket’s normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2011– 0085. EPA’s policy is that all comments SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 11447 received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through https:// www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The https://www.regulations.gov Web site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through https:// www.regulations.gov your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA’s public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at https:// www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeremy Arling, Stratospheric Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, (6205J), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 343–9055; fax number: (202) 343–2338; e-mail address: arling.jeremy@epa.gov. You may also visit the Ozone Depletion website of EPA’s Stratospheric Protection Division at https:// www.epa.gov/ozone/strathome.html for further information about EPA’s Stratospheric Ozone Protection regulations, the science of ozone layer depletion, and related topics. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: How can I access the docket and/or submit comments? EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA– HQ–OAR–2011–0085, which is available for online viewing at https:// www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air and Radiation Docket E:\FR\FM\02MRN1.SGM 02MRN1 11448 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 41 / Wednesday, March 2, 2011 / Notices in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is 202–566–1744, and the telephone number for Air and Radiation Docket is 202–566–1742. Use https://www.regulations.gov to obtain a copy of the draft collection of information, submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select ‘‘search,’’ then key in the docket ID number identified in this document. emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES What information is EPA particularly interested in? Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically solicits comments and information to enable it to: (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. In particular, EPA is requesting comments from very small businesses (those that employ less than 25) on examples of specific additional efforts that EPA could make to reduce the paperwork burden for very small businesses affected by this collection. What should I consider when I prepare my comments for EPA? You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your comments: 1. Explain your views as clearly as possible and provide specific examples. 2. Describe any assumptions that you used. 3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used that support your views. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:12 Mar 01, 2011 Jkt 223001 4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you arrived at the estimate that you provide. 5. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity. 6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified under DATES. 7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal Register citation. What information collection activity or ICR does this apply to? Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are producers, importers, distributors, and custom applicators of methyl bromide, organizations, consortia, and associations of methyl bromide users, as well as individual methyl bromide users. Title: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Critical Use Exemption from the Phaseout of Methyl Bromide (Applications, Recordkeeping, and Periodic Reporting) (Renewal). ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 2031.06, OMB Control No. 2060–0482. ICR status: EPA ICR 2031.03 is currently scheduled to expire on October 31, 2011. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA’s regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal Register when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed either by publication in the Federal Register or by other appropriate means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9. Abstract: EPA is seeking to renew EPA ICR 2031.03 which allows EPA to collect CUE applications from regulated entities on an annual basis, and which requires the submission of data from regulated industries to the EPA and requires recordkeeping of key documents to ensure compliance with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Protocol) and the CAA. Entities applying for this exemption are asked to submit to EPA applications with necessary data to evaluate the need for a critical use exemption. This information collection is conducted to meet U.S. obligations under Article 2H PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Protocol). The information collection request is required to obtain a benefit under Section 604(d)(6) of the CAA, added by Section 764 of the 1999 Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 105–277; October 21, 1998). Since 2002, entities have applied to EPA for a critical use exemption that would allow for the continued production and import of methyl bromide after the phaseout in January 2005. These exemptions are for consumption only in those agricultural sectors that have demonstrated that there are no technically or economically feasible alternatives to methyl bromide. The applications are rigorously assessed and analyzed by EPA staff, including experts from the Office of Pesticide Programs. On an annual basis, EPA uses the data submitted by end users to create a nomination of critical uses which the U.S. Government submits to the Protocol’s Ozone Secretariat for review by an international panel of experts and advisory bodies. These advisory bodies include the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee (MBTOC) and the Technical and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP). The uses authorized internationally by the Parties to the Protocol are made available in the U.S. on an annual basis. The applications will enable EPA to: 1. Maintain consistency with the Protocol by supporting critical use nominations to the Parties to the Protocol, in accordance with paragraph 2 of Decision IX/6 of the Protocol; 2. Ensure that critical use exemptions comply with Section 604(d)(6); 3. Provide EPA with necessary data to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of methyl bromide alternatives in the circumstance of the specific use, as presented in an application for a critical use exemption; The reported data will enable EPA to: 1. Ensure that critical use exemptions comply with Section 604(d)(6); 2. Maintain compliance with the Protocol requirements for annual data submission on the production of ozone depleting substances; 3. Analyze technical use data to ensure that exemptions are used in accordance with requirements included in the annual authorization rulemakings. EPA informs respondents that they may assert claims of business confidentiality for any of the information they submit. Information claimed confidential will be treated in accordance with the procedures for handling information claimed as E:\FR\FM\02MRN1.SGM 02MRN1 emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 41 / Wednesday, March 2, 2011 / Notices confidential under 40 CFR Part 2, Subpart b, and will be disclosed only if EPA determines that the information is not entitled to confidential treatment. If no claim of confidentiality is asserted when the information is received by EPA, it may be made available to the public without further notice to the respondents (40 CFR 2.203). Individual reporting data may be claimed as sensitive and will be treated as confidential information in accordance with procedures outlined in 40 CFR Part 2. Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.3 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. The annual application, reporting, and recordkeeping burden is as follows: 52 applicants to the critical use exemption program at 1,976 hours per year; 4 producers and importers at a total of 188 hours per year (quarterly reporting); 75 distributors and applicators at 975 hours per year (annual reporting); and 2,000 end users at 575 hours per year (periodic certification of purchases of critical use methyl bromide at the time of each purchase). The total industry burden is therefore 3,714 hours per year. The annual public application burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 38 hours per response (1,976 hours divided by 52 responses). The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.61 hours per response (1,738 hours divided by 2,846 responses). Overall, the total annual public burden (application, reporting, and recordkeeping) for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.3 hours per response (3,714 hours divided by 2,898 responses). VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:34 Mar 01, 2011 Jkt 223001 The total annual labor cost burden associated with information collection request is $843,845. EPA estimates the costs as follows: Application costs totaling $199,299 per year, recordkeeping and reporting costs totaling $582,769 per year, and self certification by producers, importers, distributors, and end users costing $61,777 per year. EPA estimates the capital costs to be $0. Are there changes in the estimates from the last approval? There is a decrease of 1,203 hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with that identified in the EPA ICR 2031.03 which is currently approved by OMB. The reasons for the decrease in burden hours include a decrease in the number of applicants and a similar decline in the number of end users. Furthermore, stakeholders are more familiar with the critical use exemption program and have already organized associations to apply on behalf of multiple growers. Other reasons for burden reduction include the encouragement of electronic submission of applications and other data and frequent EPA communication with methyl bromide stakeholders. What is the next step in the process for this ICR? EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register notice pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. If you have any questions about this ICR or the approval process, please contact the technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Dated: February 22, 2011. Drusilla Hufford, Director, Stratospheric Protection Division. [FR Doc. 2011–4638 Filed 3–1–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 11449 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OPPT–2010–0874; FRL–9273–9] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Safer Detergent Stewardship Initiative (SDSI) Program Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that the following Information Collection Request (ICR) has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval: Safer Detergent Stewardship Initiative (SDSI) Program; EPA ICR No. 2261.02, OMB No. 2070–0171. The ICR, which is abstracted below, describes the nature of the information collection activity and its expected burden and costs. DATES: Additional comments may be submitted on or before April 1, 2011. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing docket ID Number EPA– HQ–OPPT–2010–0874 to (1) EPA online using https://www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), or by mail to: Document Control Office (DCO), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code: 7407T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, and (2) OMB at: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pamela Myrick, (acting) Director, Environmental Assistance Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 7408–M, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202–564– 9838; e-mail address: TSCA– Hotline@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA has submitted the following ICR to OMB for review and approval according to the procedures prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.12. On November 22, 2010 (75 FR 71123), EPA sought comments on this renewal ICR pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.8(d). EPA received no comments during the comment period. Any additional comments related to this ICR should be submitted to EPA and OMB within 30 days of this notice. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\02MRN1.SGM 02MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 2, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11447-11449]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-4638]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0085; FRL-9275-6]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Critical Use 
Exemption From the Phaseout of Methyl Bromide (Applications, 
Recordkeeping, and Periodic Reporting) (Renewal)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to 
submit a request to renew an existing approved Information Collection 
Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This ICR, 
2031.03, is scheduled to expire on October 31, 2011. Before submitting 
the ICR to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on 
specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described 
below.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 2, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2011-0085 by one of the following methods:
     https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line 
instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov.
     Fax: 202-566-1741.
     Mail: EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0085, Environmental Protection 
Agency, Mailcode: 6205J, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 
20460.
     Hand Delivery: EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0085, Air and Radiation 
Docket at EPA West, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room B108, Mail Code 
6102T, Washington, DC 20460. Such deliveries are only accepted during 
the Docket's normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should 
be made for deliveries of boxed information.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2011-0085. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be 
Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you 
consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through https://www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The https://www.regulations.gov Web site 
is an ``anonymous access'' system, which means EPA will not know your 
identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of 
your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without 
going through https://www.regulations.gov your e-mail address will be 
automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is 
placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you 
submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name 
and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any 
disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to 
technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA 
may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid 
the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of 
any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public 
docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at https://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeremy Arling, Stratospheric 
Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, (6205J), 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, 
Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 343-9055; fax number: 
(202) 343-2338; e-mail address: arling.jeremy@epa.gov. You may also 
visit the Ozone Depletion website of EPA's Stratospheric Protection 
Division at https://www.epa.gov/ozone/strathome.html for further 
information about EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Protection regulations, the 
science of ozone layer depletion, and related topics.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

How can I access the docket and/or submit comments?

    EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID 
No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0085, which is available for online viewing at 
https://www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air and 
Radiation Docket

[[Page 11448]]

in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room 
is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding 
legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is 202-566-
1744, and the telephone number for Air and Radiation Docket is 202-566-
1742.
    Use https://www.regulations.gov to obtain a copy of the draft 
collection of information, submit or view public comments, access the 
index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those 
documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once 
in the system, select ``search,'' then key in the docket ID number 
identified in this document.

What information is EPA particularly interested in?

    Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically 
solicits comments and information to enable it to:
    (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden 
of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of 
the methodology and assumptions used;
    (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and
    (iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses. In particular, EPA is requesting comments from 
very small businesses (those that employ less than 25) on examples of 
specific additional efforts that EPA could make to reduce the paperwork 
burden for very small businesses affected by this collection.

What should I consider when I prepare my comments for EPA?

    You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your 
comments:
    1. Explain your views as clearly as possible and provide specific 
examples.
    2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
    3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used 
that support your views.
    4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you 
arrived at the estimate that you provide.
    5. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity.
    6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified 
under DATES.
    7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket 
ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page 
of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal 
Register citation.

What information collection activity or ICR does this apply to?

    Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
producers, importers, distributors, and custom applicators of methyl 
bromide, organizations, consortia, and associations of methyl bromide 
users, as well as individual methyl bromide users.
    Title: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed 
Collection; Comment Request; Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: 
Critical Use Exemption from the Phaseout of Methyl Bromide 
(Applications, Recordkeeping, and Periodic Reporting) (Renewal).
    ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 2031.06, OMB Control No. 2060-0482.
    ICR status: EPA ICR 2031.03 is currently scheduled to expire on 
October 31, 2011. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is 
not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it 
displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers 
for EPA's regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the 
Federal Register when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are 
displayed either by publication in the Federal Register or by other 
appropriate means, such as on the related collection instrument or 
form, if applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA 
regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9.
    Abstract: EPA is seeking to renew EPA ICR 2031.03 which allows EPA 
to collect CUE applications from regulated entities on an annual basis, 
and which requires the submission of data from regulated industries to 
the EPA and requires recordkeeping of key documents to ensure 
compliance with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the 
Ozone Layer (Protocol) and the CAA.
    Entities applying for this exemption are asked to submit to EPA 
applications with necessary data to evaluate the need for a critical 
use exemption. This information collection is conducted to meet U.S. 
obligations under Article 2H of the Montreal Protocol on Substances 
that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Protocol). The information collection 
request is required to obtain a benefit under Section 604(d)(6) of the 
CAA, added by Section 764 of the 1999 Omnibus Consolidated and 
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 105-277; October 21, 
1998).
    Since 2002, entities have applied to EPA for a critical use 
exemption that would allow for the continued production and import of 
methyl bromide after the phaseout in January 2005. These exemptions are 
for consumption only in those agricultural sectors that have 
demonstrated that there are no technically or economically feasible 
alternatives to methyl bromide. The applications are rigorously 
assessed and analyzed by EPA staff, including experts from the Office 
of Pesticide Programs. On an annual basis, EPA uses the data submitted 
by end users to create a nomination of critical uses which the U.S. 
Government submits to the Protocol's Ozone Secretariat for review by an 
international panel of experts and advisory bodies. These advisory 
bodies include the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee (MBTOC) 
and the Technical and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP). The uses 
authorized internationally by the Parties to the Protocol are made 
available in the U.S. on an annual basis.
    The applications will enable EPA to:
    1. Maintain consistency with the Protocol by supporting critical 
use nominations to the Parties to the Protocol, in accordance with 
paragraph 2 of Decision IX/6 of the Protocol;
    2. Ensure that critical use exemptions comply with Section 
604(d)(6);
    3. Provide EPA with necessary data to evaluate the technical and 
economic feasibility of methyl bromide alternatives in the circumstance 
of the specific use, as presented in an application for a critical use 
exemption;
    The reported data will enable EPA to:
    1. Ensure that critical use exemptions comply with Section 
604(d)(6);
    2. Maintain compliance with the Protocol requirements for annual 
data submission on the production of ozone depleting substances;
    3. Analyze technical use data to ensure that exemptions are used in 
accordance with requirements included in the annual authorization 
rulemakings.
    EPA informs respondents that they may assert claims of business 
confidentiality for any of the information they submit. Information 
claimed confidential will be treated in accordance with the procedures 
for handling information claimed as

[[Page 11449]]

confidential under 40 CFR Part 2, Subpart b, and will be disclosed only 
if EPA determines that the information is not entitled to confidential 
treatment. If no claim of confidentiality is asserted when the 
information is received by EPA, it may be made available to the public 
without further notice to the respondents (40 CFR 2.203). Individual 
reporting data may be claimed as sensitive and will be treated as 
confidential information in accordance with procedures outlined in 40 
CFR Part 2.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.3 
hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial 
resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or 
disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This 
includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, 
install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of 
collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and 
maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; 
adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable 
instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train 
personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search 
data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and 
transmit or otherwise disclose the information.
    The annual application, reporting, and recordkeeping burden is as 
follows: 52 applicants to the critical use exemption program at 1,976 
hours per year; 4 producers and importers at a total of 188 hours per 
year (quarterly reporting); 75 distributors and applicators at 975 
hours per year (annual reporting); and 2,000 end users at 575 hours per 
year (periodic certification of purchases of critical use methyl 
bromide at the time of each purchase). The total industry burden is 
therefore 3,714 hours per year.
    The annual public application burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 38 hours per response (1,976 hours 
divided by 52 responses). The annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.61 
hours per response (1,738 hours divided by 2,846 responses). Overall, 
the total annual public burden (application, reporting, and 
recordkeeping) for this collection of information is estimated to 
average 1.3 hours per response (3,714 hours divided by 2,898 
responses).
    The total annual labor cost burden associated with information 
collection request is $843,845. EPA estimates the costs as follows: 
Application costs totaling $199,299 per year, recordkeeping and 
reporting costs totaling $582,769 per year, and self certification by 
producers, importers, distributors, and end users costing $61,777 per 
year. EPA estimates the capital costs to be $0.

Are there changes in the estimates from the last approval?

    There is a decrease of 1,203 hours in the total estimated 
respondent burden compared with that identified in the EPA ICR 2031.03 
which is currently approved by OMB. The reasons for the decrease in 
burden hours include a decrease in the number of applicants and a 
similar decline in the number of end users. Furthermore, stakeholders 
are more familiar with the critical use exemption program and have 
already organized associations to apply on behalf of multiple growers. 
Other reasons for burden reduction include the encouragement of 
electronic submission of applications and other data and frequent EPA 
communication with methyl bromide stakeholders.

What is the next step in the process for this ICR?

    EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as 
appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for 
review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. At that time, EPA will 
issue another Federal Register notice pursuant to 5 CFR 
1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the 
opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. If you have any 
questions about this ICR or the approval process, please contact the 
technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Dated: February 22, 2011.
Drusilla Hufford,
Director, Stratospheric Protection Division.
[FR Doc. 2011-4638 Filed 3-1-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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